What Is Bourbon Heritage Month? A Toast to America’s Native Spirit

Noah Kurz

Mar 21, 2025 — 2 min read

Bourbon Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of America’s native spirit—bourbon! Established by the U.S. Senate in 2007, this September tradition honors the history, craftsmanship, and unmistakable charm of that bottled Kentucky sunshine we all adore. Technically, the original “National Bourbon Month” was a one-time thing in 2007, and now it’s more accurately called Kentucky Bourbon Heritage Month. But let’s be honest—it’s just a perfect excuse to celebrate our favorite whiskey all month long. No arm-twisting needed here!

While Kentucky is the heart of the action, you don’t have to live there to join the party. Here’s how to celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month, whether you’re in the Bluegrass State or sipping from afar.

1. Visit Kentucky for Unforgettable Bourbon Festivities

Kentucky is where Bourbon Heritage Month truly shines. If you can swing a trip in September, you’re in for a treat. Hit up a distillery tour—there’s always a new one to explore—or swing by local restaurants showcasing pours from nearby distilleries. Louisville, in particular, is a hot spot for unique events you won’t find any other time of year. Check out the City of Louisville’s event resources for the latest lineup of bourbon tastings, festivals, and more. Trust me, it’s always a good time.

As summer fades, why not soak up the last rays with a fun bourbon activity? Gather some friends for a blind taste test! Have everyone bring a mystery bottle, pour, sip, and rate them without peeking at the labels. It’s a great way to discover new favorites and spark some lively debates. You might be shocked at which bourbon steals the show!

3. Dig Into Your Favorite Distillery’s Unique History

Want to deepen your bourbon appreciation? Research what makes your go-to distillery special. My wife and I run a TikTok channel called Bourbon Buzz, and I love kicking off videos with a quick dive into a distillery’s story. Learning about their heritage—whether it’s a family legacy or a quirky founding tale—makes every sip more meaningful. Plus, it’s a cool conversation starter when you share that bottle with friends.

Celebrate Bourbon Heritage Month Your Way

Whether you’re road-tripping to Kentucky, hosting a tasting, or geeking out over distillery history, Bourbon Heritage Month is all about enjoying the spirit we love. So, how will you celebrate? Let me know which distillery you think has the richest history by rating it on the world’s best bourbon app, NEAT: Whiskey Finder! It’s the perfect place to share your picks and connect with fellow bourbon fans.

Japanese Whisky Region: The Craft You’ll Wish You’d Explored Sooner

Japanese Whisky Region: The Whiskey Art You Can’t Skip Japan isn’t just a whisky newcomer. It’s a global powerhouse, blending precision and tradition to craft sublime spirits. If you don’t know this region, you’re missing the art that perfects every sip. For whiskey enthusiasts eager

Scotch Speyside Region Explained: The Malt You’ll Wish You’d Tasted Sooner

Scotch Speyside Region: The Whiskey Haven You Can’t Miss Speyside isn’t just a Scottish valley. It’s the malt heart of Scotch, crafting whiskeys with unmatched richness and fruit. If you don’t know this region, you’re missing the haven that elevates every sip. For whiskey fans

Irish Whiskey Region Truth: The Silk You’ll Wish You’d Savored Sooner

Irish Whiskey Region: The Whiskey Grace You Can’t Dodge Ireland isn’t just a green isle. It’s the cradle of smooth, triple-distilled whiskey, weaving malt and grain into elegance. If you don’t know this region, you’re missing the silk that defines every sip. For whiskey enthusiasts

Tennessee Whiskey Region Facts: The Smooth You’ll Wish You’d Tasted Sooner

Tennessee Whiskey Region: The Whiskey Flow You Can’t Ignore Tennessee isn’t just bourbon’s neighbor. It’s the home of a uniquely smooth whiskey, filtered through charcoal for a distinct finish. If you don’t know this region, you’re missing the flow that refines every sip. For